New rules hit small importers: Uzbekistan drastically cuts duty-free import limits for travelers

According to a government resolution signed by Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov on April 19, the new limits apply to non-commercial goods brought into Uzbekistan for personal use and will come into force on May 1, 2025. The updated duty-free thresholds are as follows:

• Air transport: $1,000 (currently $2,000)
• Rail and river transport: $500 (currently $1,000)
• Road checkpoints (including pedestrians): $300 (unchanged)
• International courier deliveries: $200 per month (previously $1,000 per quarter)
• International postal deliveries: $100 (unchanged)

The resolution also states that individuals entering Uzbekistan by rail, river, or road transport who spent less than two days abroad, or those flying in after less than three days abroad, will no longer qualify for the duty-free allowance. Any goods brought in under these circumstances will be fully taxed according to their total value, without exemptions.

In terms of exports, individuals may take goods valued up to the equivalent of $5,000 out of the country without submitting a customs declaration – except for items subject to export duties.

Furthermore, the resolution introduces a list of 70 types of goods that will now be subject to special customs value and quantity controls during the import process. This list includes various household appliances, food items, clothing and footwear, cleaning and washing supplies, toys, tires, and metal goods.

Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Kuchkarov has been tasked with ensuring strict control over both the value and quantity of items on this list, with no exceptions permitted.

The document also instructs the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the National Guard to cooperate with the Customs Committee to prevent resistance or violations at border checkpoints, especially organized attempts to disobey lawful orders from customs officers or disrupt public order.